Should girls play on boys teams?

Absolutely!

If a female athlete has the ability and skill to perform at the same level as a male in a sport, then what is the issue? I understand that there are safety concerns and possibly uncomfortable situations females can be place in; however, the women that are on the male teams are choosing to do so. They are well aware of the physical, mental, and emotional challenge of playing on a boys team and if women are willing to make those sacrifices and work to their fullest potential there is no reason why females should not be qualified.

Now I am sure some of you think that I am a typical feminist sticking up for women who want to go down a different path, but that is a false accusation. I myself would not consider playing on a men's team because I know I would not be able to handle it physical, but if another females is capable of being successful at a men's sport or on a men's team then she has every right to play with those men. Women who choose to take on such a challenge, to me, are a great role model for anyone because they are proving that no mater what sex you are or where you come from, anything is possible.

No Sissy Stuff

In the article Rules for Hegemonic Masculinity, the author describes the stereotypical role a man plays in society and the image that should be portrayed to be considered a "real man". For example, the author states that men should not wear emotions on their sleeve because it shows a sign of weakness and vulnerability. It also states that men solve issues physically and should never back down from confrontation.

I am here to speak on behalf of most women that this stereotype is not attractive by any means and that "real" men aren't afraid to speak their minds and share their emotions. I have always felt that men who are willing to share their problems and talk about life issues are more "men" than those that settle things through physical harm and destruction.

Now I am not saying that men should not stand up for a woman if she were treated in an inappropriate manner, but when it comes to confrontation with another male, men are more manly when they back down from physical violence and destruction.

Call me old fashioned, but I am a strong believer that violence never solves an issue and it is better to walk away from a fight than to be part of it. When a person is proud of his or her battle wounds, I think it shows that persons lack of class and respect for him or herself.

Caster Semenya

Imagine winning a gold medal for a race you have trained for your whole life. You can picture yourself standing on the platform, with your medal hanging around your neck and tears rolling down your face because you have just accomplished one of life's greatest goals.

Now imagine that your ability as an athlete is questioned due to the your physical appearance and your ability to outplay another athlete. Unfortunately, this is a horrible issue for the gold medalist runner Caster Semenya, as her gender is under review because she has greatly out-performed her opponents.

After reviewing her stats and her physical appearance, the International Association of Athletic Federations asked the athlete to undergo a series of gender tests to determine whether or not she is male or female.

I personally think this accusation absolutely ridiculous and no one should have their personal lives invaded in such a way. If the IAAF is going to perform gender test, they should be doing so on every athlete that is to compete at such a high level. It is inappropriate for the Association to selectively chose athletes to be tested based on physical appearance. That would be comparable to someone picking out a man or woman in society and stating that her or she is homosexual based on their hair-style, dress and the way that person carries himself.

I am disgusted that such accusations can be made and my heart reaches out to everyone that has been placed under such stereotypes.

Gender Awareness in Sports

Growing up, I was always encouraged to try new things and never to quit because I did not enjoy something. No matter what I tried, whether it was a board game, dance lessons, or sports I had a strong support system within my family. My father was not blessed with a boy to carry on the family name, but was given two beautiful girls that would teach him a thing or two. However, he soon realized that just because we were not the rugged boys he one day hoped to have, but two children looking up to their father to teach them the lessons of life.

We soon learned that nothing was ever handed to us and everything we wanted in life had to be worked for to our fullest potential. This lesson started at a very young age as we worked with Dad in the garage building book shelves and helping out in the yard. When our work was done, he would teach us to play sports and all of the rules. We would sit with him during football, basketball, and baseball season intrigued by the knowledge he has to share with us. When it came down to it, we were learning and doing most things boys our age did not do and still don't know how to do.

Because my father took the time to instill one of life's greatest lessons, I was given the opportunity to play in a variety of sports throughout my life. Some on a higher skilled level and others with the kids in the neighborhood. I was never taught that I couldn't be better than someone, male or female, if I worked to my fullest potential. But at the same time, I learned that there can and almost always will be someone better than me, male and/or female.

I am sure some of you are wondering, what is the point here? I am here to tell you that no matter who you are or the sport you play, gender will not make a difference when it all comes down to it. The passion and commitment to the game is what is important, not the difference of skill level between male and female.

Intro

My name is Ashley Ragan and I am a senior majoring in event planning. This past spring semester I completed an internship in Washington D.C. at a high end, well known event planning and destination management company in the surrounding area.

I have begun this blog for my sport and gender class and will be sharing my knowledge, or lack there of, of sports, athletes and other relevant topics. I have been involved in several sports since the age of 6 and hope to continue to stay active in a few that I most valued.

Throughout the years I have been involved in soccer, track, cross country, badminton and basketball. I found my love in life when I began playing basketball in the fourth grade. I finally felt like I found something that was all mine and no one would stop me from succeeding. I continued to play up until my junior year of high school and then quit the team because basketball was not fun anymore. The thrill and love for the game was stripped from me and my decision became final. Every day I regret making that decisions because I will never know if I could have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. My heart is still in the game and will always be.

Now that I no longer play basketball at the level I was once at, I enjoy watching the game that I am so passionate about. However, I will admit that I am a bit of a front runner; I tend to like the athletes that are the most popular because they are the ones that I know most about. Meaning there is a good chance I know who they play for. When it comes to sports I like a team because I was raised in a household that enjoyed watching certain teams play. I understand the rules of the game and how it should be played, but if I was asked to name 3 players from the Ohio State Football team, I would most likely name 1 person.

To me, sports is not defined by the best athlete, but by the game itself.